More than 100 local people benefited from potentially life-saving health screening and checks at a city centre health festival earlier this week.
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust’s Community Health Festival was part of a drive to offer more health prevention out of hospital and closer to our communities – helping to save lives and improve health and wellbeing. Life-saving aortic aneurysm screening was also available for men aged 65 or over who are most at risk of having the serious condition which can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early. Head and neck checks were available as part of a push for earlier cancer diagnosis and attendees could get their livers screened for common conditions and diseases as well as receiving health advice to improve their liver health.
UHL experts from a variety of services and local community organisations such as Shama Women’s Centre and Jamila’s Legacy were on hand to offer advice and guidance to prevent ill-health and improve wellbeing.
UHL Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Consultant, Oladejo Olaleye, carried out the free head and neck cancer checks and stressed the benefits of outreach events, “Community health fairs like this are vital for reaching people who may not have access to regular health checks. By bringing healthcare directly to the community, we can find potential health concerns such as cancers earlier and offer the necessary guidance and support to improve overall wellbeing.”
The health festival also promoted connections between local health community groups and the public, reinforcing the Trust’s ongoing commitment to improving community health and engagement. Karl Mayes, Head of Patient and Public Engagement at UHL, said: “This has been the largest and most successful community health festival that we have held since the end of the pandemic. It has been a fantastic way for us to connect directly with people and offer essential health services in an accessible and informal setting. These events are about bringing healthcare into the heart of the community and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the support they need."
UHL’s Annual Public Meeting (APM) took place following the health festival at Devonshire Place in Leicester, with UHL Chief Executive Richard Mitchell and the Board of Directors reflecting on the first year of the Trust’s new strategy, Leading in healthcare, trusted in communities. The Board highlighted achievements over the last year, laid out their future vision for healthcare across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, and presented their 2023/2024 Annual Report and Accounts. The APM provided a platform for community dialogue, with time given for public questions, ensuring the community had a voice in shaping the future of local healthcare.
Richard Mitchell, UHL Chief Executive, said: "This year’s Annual Public Meeting was a pivotal moment for us. It allowed us to reflect on the progress we've made over the past year and engage directly with the communities we serve. We’re focused on delivering world-class healthcare while addressing the needs and concerns of our diverse population across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. We are grateful to everyone who attended, took part, and helped make this event a success.”
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